Easy Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing (Southern Style)
Description
Southern-style air fryer cornbread dressing with a golden, crispy top and a soft, savory, herb-packed center. Made with real cornbread, onion, celery, sage, and poultry seasoning — a faster holiday side that frees up your oven.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cornbread, cubed (day-old / slightly stale)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1½ cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Season with salt and pepper and sauté 5–6 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
- Place the cubed cornbread in a large bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables over the top and toss gently.
- Whisk the eggs and broth together. Pour over the cornbread and fold gently until evenly moistened — do not overmix.
- Grease an air-fryer-safe baking dish and add the mixture. Cover tightly with foil, tucking the edges so it stays put.
- Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes (no preheat needed).
- Remove the foil and air fry another 8–12 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer–safe baking dish
- Aluminum Foil
Notes
- Use day-old or toasted cornbread cubes so the dressing doesn't turn mushy. Try Air Fryer Classic Cornbread, Air Fryer Jiffy Cornbread, or Air Fryer Skillet Cornbread as your base.
- To make ahead, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and add an extra ¼–½ cup broth before air frying.
- Add ½ lb browned sausage, ⅓ cup dried cranberries, or ½ cup toasted pecans to customize. For a sausage-forward version, see Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 300°F to re-crisp the top.
- Serve with Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast and Air Fryer Corn Casserole.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 655kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 14gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 1544mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 5gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 559IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 268mgIron: 4mg